Art, Advice, and Inquiries

I had a contest with all of the art students at our school, which had them creating posters of mixed media representing something about Central JH, Texas, or America.  Some of them took some very creative liberty, but they were fantastic.  I chose 22 of them, and will now take them with me to India and donate them to the schools and orphanages that we visit.  They all did such  great job, and were also rewarded with ice cream, a picture of them with their art, a letter of congratulations, and eventually a certificate with a picture of where it will hang. 

When talking to the art students, several of them had some very random thoughts, advice, and questions.  I have one student that was so concerned that I would be walking barefoot that he made the point to talk to me several times about the diseases I could contract by walking barefoot in the streets of India.  I thanked him each time for his advice.  Another student was concerned about me drinking the water, and I explained that I wouldn’t drink it, brush my teeth with it, eat any fresh fruits or veggies off of the street, etc.  They then questioned how I would know how many bottles of water to use in order to take a bath.  I had to promise not to drink the tap water while I bathed or showered (like Charlotte did in SATC 2).  After word got around that I was going, several students had some great questions about it being so close to Pakistan, and if I was scared of a terrorist attack.  I assured them that I would try to be safe and make wise decisions (like I tell them to do).  I had one student that was confused about how all of the Indians “got over there” since they “started over here.”  I explained the difference between a person from India and a Native American.  This is why I love junior high kids!

What not to wear!

Wow!  We just finished another school year with our students.  I can’t believe how fast time goes by.  I’m still on contract for a few more weeks, but with just the office people here, it’s amazing how much more I can accomplish!   Now it’s time to finish up this dissertation and start focusing on getting my body and mind ready for India. 

When I normally pack for a vacation in which the destination is a warm, tropical climate (Hawaii is the most tropical place I've been), I typically opt for the shorts that my mom says are too short for my age, and tank tops that I don’t care if strangers see me in because my husband tells me I’m gorgeous.  My shorts are usually jorts (jean shorts) and my other outfits are made with synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, etc.  I will also bring some tennis shoes and flip flops depending on the activities we have planned.  I don’t plan on wearing a t-shirt over my swimsuit because there is always someone at the beach or pool much larger and much less-covered.  (Just because they make it in your size doesn’t mean you need to wear it.)  Well, when it’s going to be as hot and humid as they say it is, most of my wardrobe didn’t make the cut.  It's either too risque (for parts of India), not made from the right material, or just not sensible.

I’m pretty much finished up with buying stuff for my trip.  If you are interested in the plus size spring and summer fashion for elderly women at WalMart, then I’ll model it for you.  It’s all very sensible, comfortable, and 100% cotton…don’t judge!  We have been instructed to wear 100% linen or 100% cotton because it’s light and breathes.  I haven’t been very specific with you all about the weather.  It is monsoon season, so it’s high humidity and between 100 to 120 degrees.  The rain comes through quite often just to make it feel like a sauna.  They were very up front about this before we applied, so I knew this going into it.  Considering I’m not one to like anything requiring me to sweat, I have already been dealing with this and preparing for the worst.  But hey…I’ll be in India!

Today I met my new family!

Well, today was the first time all of us who are going to India met each other.  There a total of 18 of us, just 6 from H-E-B ISD.  I didn't know anyone but Bhavani, who is in charge of Asian Languages and Arabic in our district.  I had met Aditi and Jennifer at the interview, but other than that, it was just 14 other strangers!  It is so crazy to think that this group of people will be my family and friends while we experience life-changing explorations and discoveries.  You know how it is when you go into a classroom and don't know anyone?  You start to scan for a seat, wonder if anyone will talk to you, and scan the room for who will be your first friend?  Maybe it's just all of the years I've spent with junior high kids.  Everyone was very friendly, and we all seemed to hit it off just fine.  We all had so many questions, and the answers and other information that were given to us almost seemed too much to take in.  We started our day with samosas, a potato and spice-filled pastry that has been fried.  Some of us in the CJH office have had them and are big fans, I mean really...who doesn't like fried potatoes? 

A large group of us went to lunch together at Pho V Noodle House in Bedford (love that place!).  Aren't we so multicultural?  We discussed our fears, expectations, silly questions we didn't want to ask in front of everyone, and got to know about each other. 

After lunch, we watched the first part of the Story of India, an informative and beautiful PBS special.  More time for questions, and it was already over!  The day went by so quickly, and I can't wait until we all meet again!

This is the samosa and the delicious green sauce (not to be confused with my Casa Ole green sauce) with which it is served, and the little mild sweet square.

Indian Visa Trip to Houston

I left Thursday night after a hectic and hurried job at packing. I finally got off (without any dogs or a husband), got more passport pictures made (once again, no photoshopping could be done to it), filled up with gas, and headed south.  I made good time with only one stop at Buc-ee's.  I got up this morning, triple checked that I had everything ready, had coffee with my dad, stopped by to visit Gram, and then headed to Westheimer. 

Now, you have to understand that I took off today just to go get my Visa.  Not only is it a Friday (Good Friday), which in the world of junior high assistant principals is a sin to do, but it is also a make up day, which makes it even more taboo.  I was going to make sure that everything was perfect and ready for me to get a Visa!  I read all of the instructions Online, and I had to change out my purse because it said that I could only bring in a lady's pouch that had to meet all of these requirements and not be made out of certain materials.  I also couldn't bring in a bag with my papers except for a clear plastic bag with only the necessary paperwork.  There were many more constraints, but that is all I'll bore you with.  I had a gallon-sized ziplock bag with my application and passport in it, and then I had my little travel purse with just my wallet, phone (in the off position), and keys.  I was ready to be patted down and walk through a metal detector.  So I get there, and it's just a suite in an office building with a few walk up, bullet-proof windows.  The other lady in there had a purse that I would consider much larger than a pouch, and no clear plastic bag.  I'm pretty sure the guy that helped me was making fun of me for being such a dork.  I had made an appointment and everything, just to wait 2 minutes, and be finished in 3 minutes.  That was it!  It was so underwhelming that it was sad.  Well, there was this one Indian guy that was yelling and arguing at the lady behind the protective glass, and that was entertaining. 

Do not be dismayed!  Sprinkles was literally just on the other side of the railroad tracks!  (See previous post)  I stopped, got my predetermined flavors, and headed home.  I even stopped to get stamps, got my car washed, and then took my dad for a light lunch.  We're waiting for my mom to be home, and then we're headed to the beach!

About a two weeks after I composed this, I received my passport back in the mail with my visa in it.  It makes me feel so patriotic and official!

This is the little building of suites where the Travisa office is located.

Indian food place right next door!

Sprinkles Cupcakes!  Delish!